Absorbent thermal bag

ABSTRACT

An absorbent thermal bag made in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes an absorbent pad operatively associated with a thermal bag which can be regenerated in situ. The junction of the absorbent pad and the thermal bag defines an unobstructed perimeter area that is an area of the absorbent pad that extends beyond the thermal bag. The unobstructed perimeter area provides an area of improved absorption and allows the side-by-side simultaneous placement of the thermal bag and the absorbent pad on a wound site. The thermal bag can contain endothermic materials such as ice for cold therapy or, alternatively, exothermic materials for heat therapy.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/302,730 filed Apr. 30, 1999, now awaitingissuance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a low cost thermal bag that providesimproved absorption of body fluids. This invention further relates to anabsorbent thermal bag product that is refillable and may be regeneratedin situ.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The use of cold packs and hot packs for thermal therapy is known.Cold and hot packs may be of several general types. One type of coldpack contains an insulating material which, upon cooling in arefrigerator or freezer, gradually warm back to ambient temperature.Similarly, one type of hot pack contains an insulating material and canbe warmed. Another type of thermal pack operates via a change of phaseof the components of the pack. Still another type of thermal packemploys chemical components that are endotherm-producing in the case ofcold packs, or exotherm-producing in the case of hot packs, ondissolution in a solvent.

[0004] Phase change materials may be converted between solid and liquidphase and utilize a latent heat of fusion to absorb, store and releaseheat, or cool, during such phase conversion. Ice/water is one example ofphase change material.

[0005] Certain chemical compounds, once dissolved into a solution,result in either a lowering of the temperature of the solution below orabove ambient temperature. On dissolution, these compounds absorb heatfrom, or expend heat to, the surrounding environment. For example,inorganic salts or soluble organic compounds known to have positiveenthalpy of aqueous solution are used to make the reduced temperaturesolutions useful in cold packs. In the case of hot packs, compositionshaving negative enthalpy of aqueous solution are used to produceincreased temperature solutions useful for hot packs.

[0006] Examples of cold packs that employ an insulating material arecold packs that contain a gel. Typically, these cold packs are cooled ina refrigerator or freezer. For cold therapy, once cooled, the cold packis placed on the injured or sore area and thus provides the coldtherapy.

[0007] Chemical cold packs that provide an insulating layer between thecold pack and the skin are also known. One such cold pack uses an outerpouch containing capillaries to allow drainage of the pack and toprovide a temperature moderating effect. Another chemical cold pack usesa wetting member in contact with the chemical cold pack, therebyproviding moist cold to an injury. Yet another chemical cold packpositions an absorbent/insulating layer between the chemical cold andthe ambient air with the chemical cold pack placed up against thepatient's skin. In this device, the surface area of theabsorbent/insulating layer is smaller than the surface area of the coldpack. One prior art chemical cold pack cover provides means to attachthe cold pack to a patient and to provide a water-resistant material incontact with the skin.

[0008] One disadvantage of the prior art devices is that the thermalpacks may not easily be regenerated in situ. Additionally, the prior artdevices are not readily reusable for a single application. Anotherdisadvantage of the prior art devices is that the insulating materials,while possessing at least some absorbency, are positioned away from theinjury. A further disadvantage of the prior art devices is that theabsorbency of the absorbent/insulating layer is obstructed by the largerthermal pack surface area. Yet another disadvantage of the prior artdevices is that they are costly to manufacture.

[0009] It would therefore be an advantage to have a cold or hot packthat can be easily regenerated in situ. It would be a further advantageto have a cold or hot pack that would allow the simultaneous placementof the thermal pack and absorbent pad on the injury site. It would beyet a further advantage to provide a low cost thermal pack that can beregenerated in situ and allows the simultaneous placement of the packand the absorbent pad on the injury site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides a thermal pack, i.e., a cold orhot pack, that can be regenerated in situ. The present inventionprovides a thermal pack that allows the simultaneous placement of thepack and an absorbent pad on the injury site. The present inventionfurther provides a low cost thermal pack that can be regenerated in situand allows the simultaneous placement of the thermal pack and theabsorbent pad on the injury site.

[0011] The present invention provides an absorbent thermal bag thatincludes a thermal bag and an absorbent pad attached to the thermal bag.One side of the thermal bag defines a single-side surface area, whileone side of the absorbent pad defines a pad area. The thermal bag has aresealable opening. The pad area is larger than the single side surfacearea, and the difference in the areas provides an unobstructedperimeter. Phase change material or other temperature modifyingmaterials can be added to the thermal bag through the resealable openingand the unobstructed perimeter area provides an unobstructed area forabsorbing a bodily fluid on the absorbent pad.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, the absorbent thermal bagcomprises a thermal bag which is an ice bag adapted to receive anendothermic material, such as a phase change material. In an alternativeembodiment, the absorbent thermal bag comprises a thermal bag adapted toreceive an exothermic material, such as an exotherm producingcomposition or warm water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic of an absorbent thermal bagmade in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent thermal bag of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a component of an alternative embodimentof an absorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a component of an alternative embodimentof an absorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbentthermal bag of the present invention.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic of an alternative embodimentof an absorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofthe absorbent thermal bag of FIG. 6.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the absorbent thermal bag of FIG. 6.

[0021]FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the absorbent thermal bagof FIG. 7.

[0022]FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional side view of the absorbent thermalbag of FIG. 8.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic of an alternative embodimentof an absorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment ofan absorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 10 is a plan view of the absorbent thermal bag of FIG. 9.

[0026]FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the absorbent thermal bagof FIG. 10.

[0027]FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the absorbent thermal bagof FIG. 10.

[0028]FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the absorbent thermal bagof FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The term “thermal” when used in the context of the invention ismeant to refer to the capability of temperature modifications, both interms of increases or decreases in temperature. The term when used inreference to the “thermal bag” for purposes of the invention indicatesthat the bag component of the absorbent thermal bag of the inventionaccommodates either endothermic or exothermic materials to render thedeliver the desired cold or heat therapy, respectively. Several of thefigures depict the thermal bag as an ice bag containing ice and water,which is intended for illustrative purposes only.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, an absorbent thermal bag made in accordancewith the principles of the present invention is designated by 10. Inthis embodiment depicted, the absorbent thermal bag 10 includes anabsorbent pad 12 operatively associated with an ice bag 15. The ice bag15 defines a single-side surface area that is the surface area of oneside of the ice bag 15. The absorbent pad 12 defines a pad area that isthe surface area of one side of the absorbent pad 12. The junction ofthe absorbent pad 12 and the ice bag 15 defines attachment sections 17,19. The absorbent pad 12 extends beyond the ice bag 15 a perimeterdistance d₁ at attachment section 17 and a perimeter distance d₂ atattachment section 19. The perimeter distances d₁ and d₂ will be morefully described below. The absorbent pad 12 defines a thickness t. Thethickness t may range from about 0.0625 inches to about 1 inch (about0.3175 cm to about 2.5400 cm), and more, and preferably from about 0.250inches to about 0.750 inches (about (0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 cm).

[0031] The ice bag 15 may contain ice 14, other suitable phase changematerials, or materials which absorb heat. The ice bag 15 may alsocontain water 16, or other liquid that results from melting of the phasechange material. In the case of a thermal bag for heat therapy orstorage, the bag contains an exothermic material instead of an “icebag.” The thermal bag, therefore, can contain exothermic (heatreleasing) materials or compositions.

[0032] Suitable exothermic materials which can be used in conjunctionwith the invention include exothermic phase change materials, exothermicdissolving solute in solvent compositions, and latent heat storagematerials. Examples of exothermic phase change materials include, butare not limited to, sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and sodium acetatetrihydrate. Examples of exothermic dissolving solutes in solvents whichcan be used include, but are not limited to, calcium chloride and water,ammonium sulfate and water, and magnesium sulfate and water. Examples oflatent heat storage materials include, but are not limited to,pre-warmed water and pre-warmed oil.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, the absorbent thermal bag 10 of FIG. 1is depicted in plan view. As illustrated, the junction of the absorbentpad 12 and the ice bag 15 also defines attachment sections 22, 24. Asshown, the absorbent pad 12 extends beyond the ice bag 15 thus definingan unobstructed perimeter area. The unobstructed perimeter area is theare difference between the single-side surface area and the pad area.The unobstructed perimeter area further defines a perimeter distance d₁at attachment section 17, a perimeter distance d₂ at attachment section19, perimeter distance d₃ at attachment section 22, and a perimeterdistance d₄ at attachment section 24. The unobstructed perimeter areaprovides an area of the absorbent pad 12 that is unobstructed by the icebag 15. Unlike the prior art devices, such an unobstructed area allowsfor simultaneous, side-by-side placement of then ice bag 15 and theabsorbent pad 12 on a wound site. Perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄may range from about 0.125 inches to about 5 inches (about 0.3175 cm toabout 12.7000 cm), or more. The magnitude of the perimeter distances d₁,d₂, d₃ and d₄ may be different for different applications.

[0034] By providing an unobstructed perimeter area for absorption, theabsorbent pad 12 may achieve a maximum absorbing efficiency in theunobstructed area. This is contrasted with the prior art devices wherean absorbent material is about the same size as an associated thermalpack, or even smaller than the associated pack, and where such anabsorbent material may be even further physically constrained by asemi-permeable plastic cover. Such obstructions and constraintsphysically limit the extent of absorption the absorbent materialundergoes and thus the absorption efficiency is reduced.

[0035] The thermal bag can be attached to the absorbent pad 12 byvarious means. The thermal bag may be attached to the absorbent padusing an adhesive. Alternatively, the thermal bag may be sewn to theabsorbent pad, thus attaching the bag to the absorbent pad 12. Inanother embodiment, the perimeter portion or edges of the thermal bagcan be partially or completely “tucked” under an overlapping portion ofthe absorbent pad.

[0036] In one embodiment, the thermal bag is releasably attached to theabsorbent pad using releasable fasteners. A preferred means for such areleasable attachment is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3illustrates an absorbent pad 32 that further defines hook and loopfasteners 37, 39. FIG. 4 illustrates an ice bag 45 that further defineshook and loop fasteners 47, 49. In the case of a absorbent thermal bagfor cold therapy, the ice bag 45 may contain ice 44, or other suitablephase change material, and may also contain water 46, or other liquidthat results from melting of the phase change material. Hook and loopfastener 37 may be operatively associated with hook and loop fastener 47and hook and loop fastener 39 may be operatively associated with hookand loop fastener 49, so that the absorbent pad 32 is attached to theice bag 45.

[0037] The thermal bag can be made from any waterproof material.Waterproof materials may include, for example, extruded, cast, or blownfilms of polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose esters,cellulose ethers, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride,polyvinyl chloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate,polyvinylidene chloride, and ethylene octene copolymers, and copolymersof these materials, and laminates of any of these materials. The filmsmay be metallized. The waterproof materials may also include woven ornon-woven fabrics that are made from hydrophobic materials such asnylon, polyethylene and polypropylene, and combinations of thesepolymers. The thermal bag 15 may also be made from a multiple plymaterial. One example of a multiple ply materials is a two-ply materialthat includes a waterproof layer and a liquid repellant layer. Thewaterproof layer would form the interior of the thermal bag 15 andcontain the temperature modifying material. The liquid repellant layerwould form the exterior of the thermal bag. The liquid repellantmaterial may include woven or non-woven fabrics that are made fromhydrophobic material such as nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene orpolyvinylidene chloride, and combinations of these materials. Thethermal bag 15 is resealable and, thus, has a resealable opening 150.

[0038] In the case of an absorbent ice bag, a resealable ice bag 15allows for filling and refilling the ice bag 15 with an appropriatephase change material such as ice 14. In the case of heat therapy, aresealable thermal bag allows for filling and refilling the bag with anexothermic material, such as warm water. Thus the present inventionprovides an absorbent thermal bag that may be regenerated in situ.Additionally, the present invention provides an absorbent thermal bagthat may be reused for a given application. For example, a phase changematerial or other temperature modifying material can be added to thethermal bag while the thermal bag is on a wound site.

[0039] Also, for those uses where it is not practical to add temperaturemodifying materials to the thermal bag in situ, the absorbent thermalbag can be removed from the wound site, refilled with a temperaturemodifying material, and replaced on the wound site. Any of a variety ofresealable closure devices may be included with the absorbent thermalbag to provide a resealable feature to the thermal bag. The resealableclosure devices may include mechanical clips, jack-knife-type safetyclips, clamps, tie strings, tie straps, zippers, adhesive seals, ZIPPLOC(a registered trademark of Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.), andVON-LOC (a registered trademark of Vonco Products, Inc., Lake Villa,Ill.).

[0040] In one embodiment, the thermal bag is releasably attached to theabsorbent pad and the thermal bag is resealable, both configurationshaving been described above. This embodiment provides an absorbentthermal bag that may be practically refilled away from a wound sitewhile the absorbent pad remains in contact with the wound site. Thisembodiment also provides an absorbent thermal bag that allows for easyreplacement of the absorbent pad.

[0041] The absorbent pad 12 may be made from conventional cellulosicmaterials, such as cellulose or cellulose derivatives. Optionally, theabsorbent pad 12 may be made from a combination of cellulosic materialand a super absorbent polymer. Examples of the super absorbent polymerinclude poly-N-vinylacetamide and cross-linked sodium polyacrylate.Other materials, such as cotton, polypropylene, and polyester, may alsobe used for the absorbent pad 12. The materials from which the absorbentpad 12 can be made may also generally include non-woven fabrics. Theabsorbent pad 12 may even be made from a sponge.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 5, a schematic of an alternative embodimentof the absorbent thermal bag 10 is presented. The junction of theabsorbent pad 52 and the ice bag 55 defines attachment sections 57, 59,53 and 51. The absorbent pad 52 extends beyond the ice bag 55 thusproviding an unobstructed perimeter area. The unobstructed perimeterarea defines perimeter distances d₁, d₃ and d₄ at attachment section 57,a perimeter distance d₂ at attachment section 53, a perimeter distanced6 at attachment section 51, and perimeter distances d₅, d₇ and d₈ atattachment section 59. The unobstructed perimeter area provides an areaof the absorbent pad 52 that is unobstructed by the ice bag 55. Theunobstructed perimeter area allows for simultaneous, side-by-sideplacement of the ice bag 55 and the absorbent pad 52 on a wound site.Perimeter distances d₁ through d₈ may range from about 0.125 inches toabout 5 inches (about 0.3175 cm to about 12.7000 cm), or more. Themagnitude of the perimeter distances d₁ through d₈ may be different fordifferent applications. The ice bag 55 may be attached to the absorbentpad 52 by various means as described above. In the preferred embodiment,the ice bag 55 is releasably attached to the absorbent pad 52.

[0043] The shape of the absorbent pad 52 may be described as an hourglass and is configured to accommodate the perineum. Thus it can be seenthat the areas unobstructed by the ice bag 52, and described by theperimeter distances d₁ through d₈, provide an improvement over the priorart for both the absorption of bodily fluids from the perineum andproviding cold therapy to the perineum. Where the ice bag 55 is attachedtom the absorbent pad 52 there is a reduced absorbency, as describedabove.

[0044]FIG. 6 presents yet another embodiment of an absorbent ice bag 10according to the present invention. The absorbent ice bag 10 includes anabsorbent pad 62 operatively associated with an ice bag 65. Theabsorbent pad 62 defines a thickness t₃. The thickness t₃ may range fromabout 0.0625 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 1.9050 cm).

[0045] The absorbent thermal bag can further include containment pads61, 63. The containment pads 61, 63 are attached to a side of theabsorbent pad 62 that is operatively associated with the thermal bag(e.g., ice bag 65). The containment pads 61, 63 are positioned so as tofocus the thermal therapy to a region of the body in need of therapy.Thus, the containment pads also provide a thermal barrier that reducesabsorption of heat through the ends of the ice bag 65 from the ambientair in the case of cold therapy, or alternatively, the loss of heatthrough the ends of the thermal bag to the ambient air in the case ofheat therapy. The containment pad 61 further defines a thickness t₁ andthe containment pad 63 further defines a thickness t₂. The thickness t₁,t₂ may range from about 0.0625 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm toabout 2.5400 cm), and more, and preferably from about 0.250 inches toabout 0.750 inch (about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 cm). The thickness t₁may be equal to or different from the thickness t₂. The containment pads61, 63 may be made from a material that provides a thermal barrier suchas cellulosic material, felt, wool, or other suitable material.

[0046] The thermal bag (shown as an ice bag 65) may contain ice 64, orother suitable phase change material. The thermal bag 65 may alsocontain water 66, or other liquid that results from melting of the phasechange material for example.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 7, the ice bag 65 of FIG. 6 is depicted inplan view. As illustrated, the junction of the absorbent pad 62 and thethermal bag 65 defines attachment sections 67, 69, 72 and 74. Theabsorbent pad 62 extends beyond the thermal bag 65 thus providing anunobstructed perimeter area. The unobstructed perimeter area defines aperimeter distance d1 at attachment section 67, a perimeter distance d2at attachment section 69, a perimeter distance d3 at attachment section74, and a perimeter distance d4 at attachment section 72. Theunobstructed perimeter area provides an area of the absorbent pad 62that is unobstructed by the thermal bag 65. Such an unobstructed areallows for simultaneous, side-by-side, placement of the thermal bag 65and the absorbent pad 62 on a wound site. Perimeter distances d1, d2, d3and d4 may range from about 0.125 inch to about 5 inches (about 0.3175cm to about 12.7000 cm), or more. The magnitude of the perimeterdistances d1, d2, d3 and d4 may be different for different applications.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 6a, an alternative embodiment of theabsorbent thermal bag 10 of FIG. 6 is illustrated. The components of theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 6a are the same as those identified inFIG. 6. The thickness and perimeter distances defined by the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6a are also the same as those identified in FIG. 6.Thus, the absorbent ice bag 10 includes an absorbent pad 62 operativelyassociated with an ice bag 65 and containment pads 61, 63. As describedabove, the containment pads 61, 63 are positioned so as to focus thecold therapy to a region of the body in need of therapy. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 6a, the containment pads 61, 63 areattached to a side of the absorbent pad 62 that is opposite the side ofthe absorbent pad operatively associated with the ice bag 65.

[0049] As described above, the ice bag 65 may contain ice 64, or othersuitable phase change material. The ice bag 65 may also contain water66, or other liquid that results from melting of the phase changematerial.

[0050]FIGS. 8 and 8a illustrate yet another embodiment of the absorbentice bag 10 of the present invention. The absorbent ice bag 10 includesan absorbent pad 82 operatively associated with an ice bag 85. Theabsorbent pad 82 defines a thickness t₃. The thickness t₃ may range fromabout 0.125 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 2.5400 cm),and more, and preferably from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch(about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 cm).

[0051] The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 81,83. The containment pads 81, 83 are attached to a side of the absorbentpad 82 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 85. Thecontainment pads 81, 83 are positioned so as to focus the cold therapyto a region of the body in need of therapy. Thus, the containment padsalso provide a thermal barrier that reduces absorption of heat throughthe ends of the ice bag 85 from the ambient air. The containment pad 81further defines a thickness t₁ and the containment pad 83 furtherdefines a thickness t₂. The thickness t₁, t₂ may range from about 0.125inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 2.5400 cm), and more, andpreferably from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch (about 0.6350 cm toabout 1.9050 cm). The thickness t₁ may be equal to or different from thethickness t₂.

[0052] As provided with the other embodiments of the present invention,the ice bag 85 may contain ice 84, or other suitable phase changematerial. The ice bag 85 may also contain water 86, or other liquid thatresults from melting of the phase change material.

[0053]FIGS. 9, 9a and 10 illustrate embodiments of the absorbent ice bag10 that include more than two containment pads. The absorbent ice bag 10includes an absorbent pad 92 operatively associated with an ice bag 95.The absorbent pad 92 defines a thickness t₃. The thickness t₃ may rangefrom about 0.1265 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 2.5400cm), and more, and preferably from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch(about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 cm).

[0054] The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 91,93, 98. The containment pads 91, 93, 98 may be attached to a side of theabsorbent pad 92 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 95, asshown in FIG. 9. In an alternative embodiment, the containment pads 91,93, 98 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad 92 that isopposite the side of the absorbent pad 92 that is operatively associatedwith the ice bag 95, as shown in FIG. 9a. As described above, thecontainment pads 91, 93, 98 are positioned so as to focus the coldtherapy to a region of the body in need of therapy. The containment pad91 further defines a thickness t₁, the containment pad 93 furtherdefines a thickness t₄ (not illustrated), and the containment pad 98further defines a thickness t₂. The thickness t₁, t₂ and t₄ may rangefrom about 0.0625 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 2.5400cm), and more, and preferably from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch(about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 inch). The thickness t₁, t₂, t₄ may beequal or different.

[0055] The ice bag 95 may contain ice 94, or other suitable phase changematerial. The ice bag 95 may also contain water 96 or other liquid thatresults from melting of the phase change material.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 10, the ice bag 65 of FIG. 9 is depicted inplan view. As illustrated, the junction of the absorbent pad 92 and theice bag 95 define attachment sections 97, 99, 102 and 104. The absorbentpad 92 extends beyond the ice bag 95 thus providing an unobstructedperimeter area. The unobstructed perimeter area defines a perimeterdistance d₁ at attachment section 97, a perimeter distance d₂ atattachment section 99, a perimeter distance d₃ at attachment section104, and d₄ at attachment section 102. The unobstructed perimeter areaprovides an area of the absorbent pad 92 that is unobstructed by the icebag 95. Such an unobstructed are allows for simultaneous, side-by-sideplacement of the ice bag 95 and the absorbent pad 92 on a wound site.Perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ may range from about 0.125 inch toabout 5 inches (about 0.3175 cm to about 12.7000 cm), or more. Themagnitude of the perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃, and d₄ may be differentfor different applications.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, alternative embodiments of theabsorbent ice bag 10 that include containment pads are shown. In FIG.11, the junction of the absorbent pad 112 and the ice bag 115 definesattachment sections 117, 119, 106 and 108. The absorbent pad 112 extendsbeyond the ice bag 115 at attachment sections 117, 119, 106 and 108 thusforming areas unobstructed by the ice bag 1156. As described above, suchunobstructed areas allow for simultaneous, side-by-side placement of theice bag 115 and the absorbent pad 112 on a wound site. In oneembodiment, the ice bag 115 is releasably attached to the absorbent pad112.

[0058] The shape of the absorbent pad 112 may be described as an hourglass and is configured to accommodate the perineum. Thus it can be seenthat that areas unobstructed by the ice bag 112 provide an improvementover the prior art for both absorption of bodily fluids from theperineum and providing cold therapy to the perineum. Where the ice bag115 is attached to the absorbent pad 1123 there is a reduced absorbency,as described above.

[0059] The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 111,113. The containment pads 111, 113 maybe attached to a side of theabsorbent pad 112 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 115,as shown in FIG. 11. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), thecontainment pads 111, 113 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad112 that ism opposite the side of the absorbent pad 112 that isoperatively associated with the ice bag 115. As described above, thecontainment pads 111, 113 are positioned so as to focus cold therapy toa region of the body in need of therapy. The containment pads may beadapted to a semi-circular shape, as shown, to better accommodate, forexample, the perineum. However, the containment pads 111, 113 may beadapted to other shapes to accommodate other areas of a person's body.

[0060] Likewise, FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the absorbent icebag 10 that is shaped to accommodate an area of the human body. Thejunction of the absorbent pad 122 and the ice bag 125 defines attachmentsections 127, 129, 126 and 128. The absorbent pad 122 extends beyond theice bag 125 at attachment section 127, 129, 126 and 128 thus formingareas unobstructed by the ice bag 125. As described above, suchunobstructed areas allow for simultaneous, side-by-side placement of theice bag 125 and the absorbent pad 122 on a wound site. In oneembodiment, the ice bag is releasably attached to the absorbent pad 122.

[0061] The shape of the ice bag 125 may be described as an hour glassand is configured to accommodate, for example, the perineum. Thus it canbe seen that the ice bag 125 and the areas unobstructed by the ice bag125 provide an improvement, for example, over the prior art for both theabsorption an of bodily fluids from the perineum and providing coldtherapy to the perineum.

[0062] The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 121,123. The containment pads 121, 123 may be attached to a side of theabsorbent pad 122 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 125,as shown in FIG. 12. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), thecontainment pads 121, 123 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad122 that is opposite the side of the absorbent pad 122 that isoperatively associated with the ice bag 125. As described above, thecontainment pads 121, 123 are positioned so as to focus the cold therapyto a region of the body in need of therapy.

[0063] Similarly, FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of theabsorbent ice bag 10 that is shaped to accommodate an area of the humanbody. The junction of the absorbent pad 132 and the ice bag 135 definesattachment sections 137, 139, 142 and 144. The absorbent pad 132 extendsbeyond the ice bag 135 at attachment section 137, 139, 142 and 144 thusforming areas unobstructed by the ice bag 135. As described above, suchunobstructed areas allow for simultaneous, side-by-side placement of theice bag 135 and the absorbent pad 132 on a wound site. In the preferredembodiment, the ice bag 135 is releasably attached to the absorbent pad132.

[0064] The shape of the iced bag 135 may be described as a double hourglass and is configured to accommodate, for example, the perineum andthe rectum. Thus, it can be seen that the ice bag 135 and the areasunobstructed by the ice bag 135 provide an improvement, for example,over the prior art for both the absorption of bodily fluids from theperineum and the rectum and providing cold therapy to the perineum andthe rectum.

[0065] The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 131,133. The containment pads 131, 133 may be attached to a side of theabsorbent pad 132 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 135,as shown in FIG. 12. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), thecontainment pads 131, 133 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad132 that is opposite the side of the absorbent pad 132 that isoperatively associated with the ice bag 135. As described above, thecontainment pads 131, 133 are positioned so as to focus the cold therapyto a region of the body in need of therapy.

[0066] As with each of the embodiments described above, ice bags 115,125, 135 may contain ice 118, 128, 138 or other suitable phase changematerial. Ice bags 115, 125, 135 may also contain water 116, 126, 136,or other liquid that results from melting of the phase change material.

[0067] The absorbent thermal bag of the present invention may beattached to the body of the person requiring thermal therapy. Any of themeans for attachment known in the art may be suitable for use with theabsorbent thermal bag of the present invention. Accordingly, ties orstraps may be used as attachment means. Hook and loop fasteners may beused to attach the absorbent thermal bag to a person's garment.Alternatively, the absorbent thermal bag may be held in place by aperson's garment, such as an under garment. Other attachment meansdeveloped in the art may also provide suitable means to attach theabsorbent thermal bag to the body of a person requiring thermal therapy.

[0068] The Figures illustrate the invention using a thermal bag whichcontains ice (i.e., “ice bag”) as a phase change material for coldtherapy. It will be understood that the invention likewise applies theuse of exothermic materials in the thermal bag for heat therapyalternatively, and the presence of ice/water in the illustrations is notto be construed as a limitation of the absorbent thermal bag to the useof ice or other phase change materials.

[0069] Industrial Applicability:

[0070] There has been provided, in accordance with the presentinvention, a low cost absorbent thermal bag that provides for both coldor hot therapy and the absorption of bodily fluids from wound sites. Thepresent invention provides a thermal pack that can be regenerated insitu. The present invention provides a thermal pack that allows thesimultaneous placement of the pack and an absorbent pad on the injurysite. The present invention further provides a low cost thermal packthat can be regenerated in situ and allows the simultaneous placement ofthe cold pack and the absorbent pad on the injury site.

[0071] While the invention has been described with specific embodiments,many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent tothose skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.Accordingly, it is intended to include all such alternatives,modifications and variations set forth within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent thermal bag comprising: a thermalbag defining a single-side surface area, the thermal bag furtherdefining a resealable opening; an absorbent pad attached to the thermalbag, the absorbent pad defining a pad area such that the pad area islarger than the single side surface area, the pad area defining an areadifference that is the difference between the pad area and the singleside surface area; and an unobstructed perimeter area formed from thearea difference; wherein an exothermic material is to be added to thethermal bag through the resealable opening and wherein the unobstructedperimeter area provides an unobstructed area for absorbing a bodilyfluid on the absorbent pad.
 2. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1wherein the unobstructed perimeter area defines at least four perimeterdistances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄, the perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄being from about 0.125 inch to about 5 inches.
 3. The absorbent thermalbag of claim 1 wherein the perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ are atleast 0.125 inch.
 4. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein theabsorbent pad defines a thickness t, the thickness t being from about0.0625 inch to about 1 inch.
 5. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 4wherein the thickness t is from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch. 6.The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein the absorbent pad comprisesa super absorbent polymer.
 7. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1wherein the absorbent pad comprises a material selected from the groupconsisting of cellulose, cellulose derivatives, cotton, polypropylene,polyester, poly-N-vinylacetamide, cross-linked sodium polyacrylate, andcombinations thereof.
 8. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 whereinthe ice bag comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofpolyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose esters, celluloseethers, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylchloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate, polyvinylidenechloride, ethylene octene copolymers, and combinations thereof.
 9. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 8 wherein the material is metallized. 10.The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein the exothermic material isa phase change material, exothermic dissolving solute in solventcomposition, or latent heat storage material.
 11. The absorbent thermalbag of claim 10 wherein the exothermic materials is an exothermic phasechange material selected from the group consisting of sodium thiosulfatepentahydrate and sodium acetate trihydrate.
 12. The absorbent thermalbag of claim 10 wherein the exothermic material is an exothermicdissolving solute in solvent selected from the group consisting ofcalcium chloride and water, ammonium sulfate and water, and magnesiumsulfate and water.
 13. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 10 wherein theexothermic material is a latent heat storage material selected from thegroup consisting of pre-warmed water and pre-warmed oil.
 14. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein the absorbent pad is hour glassshaped.
 15. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein the ice bag ishour glass shaped.
 16. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein theice bag is double hour glass shaped.
 17. An absorbent thermal bagcomprising: a thermal bag defining a single-side surface area, thethermal bag further defining a resealable opening; an absorbent padattached to the thermal bag, the absorbent pad defining a pad area suchthat the pad area is larger than the single-side surface area, the padarea further defining a pad area such that the pad area is larger thanthe single side surface area, the pad area further defining an areadifference that is the difference in area between the pad area and thesingle side surface area; an unobstructed perimeter are formed from thearea difference; a first releasable fastener attached to the thermalbag; and a second releasable fastener attached to the absorbent pad;wherein an exothermic material is to be added to the ice bag through theresealable opening, wherein the unobstructed perimeter area provides anunobstructed area for absorbing a bodily fluid on the absorbent pad, andfurther wherein the first releasable fastener and the second releasablefastener releasably attach the absorbent pad to the thermal bag.
 18. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the first releasable fastenerand second releasable fastener are hook and loop fasteners.
 19. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the unobstructed perimeterarea defines at least four perimeter distances d1, d2, d3 and d4, theperimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ being from about 0.125 inch toabout 5 inches.
 20. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein theperimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ are at least 0.125 inch.
 21. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the absorbent pad defines athickness t, the thickness t being from about 0.0625 inch to about 1inch.
 22. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 21 wherein the thickness tis from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch.
 23. The absorbent thermalbag of claim 17 wherein the absorbent pad comprises a super absorbentpolymer.
 24. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the absorbentpad comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofcellulose, cellulose derivatives, cotton, polypropylene, polyester,poly-N-vinylacetamide, cross-linked sodium polyacrylate, andcombinations thereof.
 25. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 whereinthe ice bag is manufactured from a material selected from the groupconsisting of polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose esters,cellulose ethers, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride,polyvinyl chloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate,polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene octene copolymers, and combinationsthereof.
 26. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 25 wherein the materialis metallized.
 27. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein theexothermic material is an exothermic phase change material, exothermicdissolving solute in solvent composition, and latent heat storagematerial.
 28. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 27 wherein theexothermic material is an exothermic phase change material selected fromthe group consisting of sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and sodiumacetate trihydrate.
 29. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 27 whereinthe exothermic material is an exothermic dissolving solute in solventselected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and water,ammonium sulfate and water, and magnesium sulfate and water.
 30. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 27 wherein the exothermic material is alatent heat storage material selected from the group consisting ofpre-warmed water and pre-warmed oil.
 31. The absorbent thermal bag ofclaim 17 wherein the absorbent pad is hour glass shaped.
 32. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the ice bag is hour glassshaped.
 33. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the ice bag isdouble hour glass shaped.
 34. An absorbent thermal bag for heat therapy,the absorbent thermal bag comprising: a thermal bag defining asingle-side surface area, the thermal bag further defining a resealableopening; an absorbent pad attached to the thermal bag, the absorbent paddefining a pad area such that the pad area is larger than the singleside surface area, the pad area further defining an area difference thatis the difference in area between the pad area and the single-sidesurface area; an unobstructed perimeter area formed from the areadifference; and at least a first containment pad and a secondcontainment pad attached to the absorbent thermal bag; wherein anexothermic material is to be added to the ice bag through the resealableopening, wherein the unobstructed perimeter area provides anunobstructed area for absorbing a bodily fluid on the absorbent pad, andwherein the containment pads focus the heat therapy.
 35. The absorbentthermal bag of claim 34 wherein the unobstructed perimeter area definesat least four perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ the perimeterdistances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ being from about 0.125 inch to about 5inches.
 36. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the perimeterdistances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ are at least 0.125 inch.
 37. The absorbentthermal bag of claim 34 wherein the absorbent pad defines a thickness t,the thickness t being from about 0.0625 to about 1 inch.
 38. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 37 wherein the thickness t is from about0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch.
 39. The absorbent thermal bag of claim34 wherein the absorbent pad comprises a super absorbent polymer. 40.The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the absorbent padcomprises a material selected from the group consisting of cellulose,cellulose derivatives, cotton, polypropylene, polyester,poly-N-vinylacetamide, cross-linked sodium polyacrylate and combinationsthereof.
 41. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the ice bagis manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting ofpolyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose esters, celluloseethers, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylchloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate, polyvinylidenechloride, ethylene octene copolymers, and combinations thereof.
 42. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 41 wherein the material is metallized.43. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the exothermicmaterial is an exothermic phase change material, exothermic dissolvingsolute in solvent composition, or latent heat storage material.
 44. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 43 wherein the exothermic material is anexothermic phase change material selected from the group consisting ofsodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and sodium acetate trihydrate.
 45. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 43 wherein the exothermic material is anexothermic dissolving solute in solvent selected from the groupconsisting of calcium chloride and water, ammonium sulfate and water,and magnesium sulfate and water.
 46. The absorbent thermal bag of claim43 wherein the exothermic material is a latent heat storage materialselected from the group consisting of pre-warmed water and pre-warmedoil.
 47. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the absorbent padis hour glass shaped.
 48. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 whereinthe ice bag is hour glass shaped.
 49. The absorbent thermal bag of claim34 wherein the ice bag is double hour glass shaped.
 50. The absorbentthermal bag of claim 34 wherein the first containment pad defines athickness t₁, the thickness t₁ being from about 0.0625 inch to about0.750 inch.
 51. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 50 wherein thethickness t₁ is from about 0.250 inch to about 0.500 inch.
 52. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the second containment paddefines a thickness t₂, the thickness t₂ being from about 0.0625 inch toabout 0.750 inch.
 53. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 52 wherein thethickness t₂ is from about 0.250 inch to about 0.500 inch.